Kazyak – ‘Belmonte’

Kazyak are an alternative folk band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their latest track, ‘Belmonte’, is taken from their new album, ‘Reflection’, and features an experimental video shot in a graveyard.

Comprising Peter Frey, songwriter and guitarist, Andy Wolfe on guitar, Pat Hayes on synths and piano, Lana Bolin on bass, and Nick Grewe on drums, Kazyak seem to be a group who like to think outside the box. The surreal clip for ‘Belmonte’ is entirely in keeping with the laidback nature of the track itself, it’s quite jarring and disturbing at times, but that’s part of its beauty.

Speaking about the album, Peter Frey makes it clear that ‘Belmonte’ with its sepia tones and kaleidoscopes is the rule, not the exception:

The album is inspired by a trip Frey took with his wife to Chile and Argentina, and the footage of the videos from the album were shot mainly in the Atacama desert, in Northern Chile. The song, ‘Belmonte’, is flamenco in style, and focuses on the story of a bull-fighter, who is too damaged to continue fighting. Instrumentally it’s drawn out and languid, with a psychedelic vibe to it, alongside Spanish-style guitars. The colours and shooting style of the clip therefore work perfectly well with the track.

‘Reflection’ follows on from Kazyak’s first release, the EP ‘See The Forest’, released in 2015, and a further EP, ‘Happy Camping’, in 2017.

Published by Lisa Hafey

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.
Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com
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